CASL students go behind-the-scenes as Hollywood comes to UM-Dearborn

“Detroit 187”, which premieres on Sept. 21, is set in the city (as the name implies) and is currently being filmed in locations across metro Detroit.

Students in the College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters’ Department of Language, Culture and Communication were given the unique opportunity to shadow the production throughout the day interacting with the veteran producers, directors, art directors and crew people that are responsible for the series.

One recognizable face for many that visited the set throughout the day was Paul McCrane who for many years played Dr. Romano on the popular series “ER.” The director for this episode, McCrane is an established actor and has also served as a director on many popular television series.

The 30 CASL students experienced the production process from set decoration to scene set-up and finally filming as multiple scenes were shot in the large open courtyard area between the IAVS Building and the Science Learning and Research Center – including the Chancellor’s Pond. One scene also was shot in the basement of the Science Building.

This was UM-Dearborn’s first experience working with a Hollywood production. The university was approached by UM-Dearborn alumna Sarah Bazzei of the Wayne County Film Office with the opportunity to serve as a location for this episode and was reimbursed for all expenses relating to the production.

The slideshow below features select images from the Detroit 187 production's visit to UM-Dearborn.

Photographs by Beth Marmarelli and Shannon Matevia.